Kenilworth houses which could raise flood risks approved

Sam Jackson

A controversial plan to build three new houses in Inchbrook Road close to a flood risk zone has been given the go-ahead.

Despite over 40 public objections and concerns from Kenilworth Town Council, Warwick District Council’s planning committee agreed to grant outline planning permission by six votes to three at a meeting on Tuesday July 19.

Access to the site will be on the right of this house

The plans generated so much opposition because of the possible increased flood risks and the perceived harm the houses would have on the look of the street.

Inchbrook Road and nearby Highland Road are very close to Finham and Canley Brook, which are prone to flooding after long periods of heavy rain. Residents think the new houses could increase flood risks downstream.

The plans put the three houses very close to the Environment Agency’s flood risk line.

Speaking on behalf of Kenilworth Town Council at the meeting, Cllr George Illingworth said: “Three houses shoehorned into that space does not respect the existing style, and it requires a flood risk assessment.

Referring to the flood risk line, he added: “Although the buildings are not in this zone, the building site is.”

The applicant’s agent Dominic Cooney insisted the development looked similar to parts of Inchbrook and Highland Road, and said: “Someone’s done a good job of drumming up lots of objections.

“I fully appreciate the neighbours do not want to live near a building site. However, this will only be temporary.”

Cllr Alan Boad (Lib Dem, Crown) said: “There are no grounds that I can see to refuse this.”

However, Cllr Robert Margrave (Whitnash Residents Association, Whitnash) said: “It does seem to be overdevelopment. Three houses is overdoing it.”

The final details of the application have yet to be decided since only outline permission was granted.